Can I Spray Lysol on My Couch? Your Ultimate Guide

Can I spray Lysol on my couch without damaging it? Would it be safe to spray disinfectants on my leather couch? – All homeowners.

I dug deep and researched this topic well for me to have a better idea of whether it’s safe or not – and you’ll be surprised at what I’ve found.

Yes, you can spray Lysol on your leather couch, but only if it is not concentrated to the extent that it compromises the leather’s quality by drying, discoloration, or modifying the topcoat. 

I found it confusing the first time I tried learning about it because hey, Lysol is known for disinfection and cleaning, right?

And for you to understand it better, let me first go through a few things about Lysol.

Lysol and Its Different Types

Lysol is a popular material used for both its fragrance and disinfecting capabilities. Its pH level is between 10.05 to 11.5, making it a good disinfectant.

Contrary to its great disinfection properties, it could be harmful and dangerous when applied to certain materials, such as leather.

The high pH, as well as the alcohol content, can ruin the surface of leather, especially if used on a frequent basis.

“But can I spray Lysol on my leather couch periodically?”

Yes, of course. I’ll discuss more of that below. Now, let me first give you a rundown of the various types of Lysol solutions you can purchase.

There are many different types of solutions Lysol offers, among these, the most common ones include:

• Lysol Spray/Sprayer
• Lysol Wipes
• All-Purpose Cleaner
• Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Does Lysol Damage Leather?

Yes, and leather isn’t the only thing Lysol can damage due to its high pH and alcohol content.

Among these materials, untreated or unvarnished wood is one of the most common.

Note: Since it has high acidity, alcohol, and the fact that it’s liquid, the wooden material can seep through the fibers of the wood, and potentially damage it from the inside.

Nevertheless, I found out that I can still use Lysol as a cleaning agent and disinfectant.

Can I Spray Lysol on My Couch?

Yes, but you would need to dilute and make the Lysol less concentrated.

You can do this by adding warm water to the solution and mixing them until they combine homogeneously.

In my research, I was able to find a lot of material discussing the use of DIY or homemade solutions like vinegar, etc.

The thing is, vinegar is also acidic – it’ll still have adverse effects on the color, quality, and overall physical attributes of the leather.

In the same way, Lysol can damage it if you use excessive amounts.

Is Windex Safe For Leather Sofas?

Akin to Lysol, Windex is also among the most popular products for cleaning. When I was younger, I usually saw our house cleaner using it for our furniture.

When I got older, I studied it thoroughly. I found out that it’s not a safe cleaning agent for all types and kinds of leather.

Its effects can inadvertently result in leather adhesion, which can damage it over time.

Refrain from using Windex on your leather furniture and use a much safer and more reliable cleaning product instead.

What Would Happen to Leather When Sprayed With Lysol?

Leather, as strong as it is on the outside, is actually fragile on the inside. You could expect numerous things to happen when you wipe or spray concentrated Lysol onto your leather.

It Could Compromise the Topcoat of the Leather

This is one of the most common problems you can experience in applying concentrated Lysol to your coach.

The topcoat is the top and outermost layer of leather that protects and secures the binding layers below it.

Alcohol is one of the most hated enemies of leather’s topcoat. It can ruin and compromise it, causing it to become weaker and more vulnerable.

It Can Fade the Leather’s Color

Although not instant, Lysol, as well as other concentrated products, can degrade the quality of leather by fading the color.

It usually happens within a few weeks of constant application.

I experienced this on one of my leather bean bags. I applied Lysol at least 3 times a week, and after 2 months, the colors started fading.

It Can Dry the Leather Out

Last, but most definitely not least is that it can dry out the surface of the leather.

The acidity of the solution can dry the leather, resulting in a crisper and more vulnerable coating. This usually is the reason for the cracks of leather couches and sofas.

These are the things that could happen when you inadvertently apply Lysol to your leather couch.

Prior to learning this, I always sprayed and wiped Lysol onto the couch, even if I’m just spot cleaning it.

After just 4 months, I saw adverse noticeable changes on the topcoat of my couch. Cracks were everywhere, there were discolored areas, and other impurities of the like.

If that’s the case, what can you do to clean and disinfect your couch appropriately?

How to Clean and Disinfect Your Leather Couch?

I came across multiple ways of the best and most ideal ways of disinfecting leather couches.

I tried it all, and I was able to come up with the best and most cost-effective solution to it.

Step #1: Place Couch or Sofa in a Well-Ventilated Room

The first thing you want to do is to place the leather sofa or couch in a well-ventilated space or area so that the odor and fumes of the leather furniture can come out naturally.

I would suggest placing it below the shed of your patio, in your backyard, or even in a spacious room full of open windows.

Step #2: Dilute Your Lysol Solution

Then, the next thing you have to do is create a mixture that reduces or lessens the concentration of the solution.

In my opinion, I think that this solution is too harsh, and therefore it needs reduction.

To do this, you simply have to incorporate or add water to it. Mix 1 part of the Lysol cleaning solution to 4 parts of water.

My usual ratio is 1:3, 1 part of Lysol to 3 parts of water because I like the scent.

Mix this new solution for the 2 products to combine properly. Then, pour this solution into a sprayer and set it aside.

Step #3: Vacuum the Surface

The next step is to clean the surface of the leather couch through the means of sweeping or vacuuming.

Your goal in this step is to get rid of all the crumbs, dust, dirt, hair, and other trash that could be on the surface.

My personal preference is a vacuum. It’s powerful and it allows me to reach even the tightest and farthest areas of the couch.

NOTE: Make sure to clean it properly before you apply the solution.

Step #4: Clean the Surface

Then, the next step is to apply the solution you’ve made to the surface of your leather couch.

Spray the solution onto a clean cloth, preferably a microfiber cloth. Don’t be generous with the spray, use only a small amount, like 4 sprays. Then, wipe the leather couch’s surface.

NOTE: While doing so, remove all sticky or stuck dirt on the surface, but avoid pressing it too hard.

Step #5: Dry It Out

This last and final step is the most crucial step of all because doing it incorrectly can cause damage to your leather sofa.

After cleaning it with the solution, make sure to wipe it dry.

Don’t let it soak up too much of the solution because it can discolor the sofa, tamper with the topcoat, and even produce cracks on its surface.

So, wipe it dry, and then dry it with heat to avoid catching unwanted odors on the leather.

I typically use a hairdryer to dry it out if there’s no sunlight. If there is, I let it dry for about an hour under the sun, and then let it air dry.

That’s just about it!

That is how you can cleanse and disinfect your leather sofa without endangering your leather’s condition!

Can I Use Lysol Wipes on My Leather Couch?

Lysol wipes aren’t as strong as the cleaners, right? – That’s what I thought, too.

Upon further research, I found out that Lysol wipes are as strong as the cleaners. They contain alcohol, too, which is not a very good component for leather.

As much as you can, try to avoid using Lysol wipes on your leather couch. 

Final Thoughts

So, if you’re asking the question, can I spray Lysol on my couch without damaging it, yes, you can, but only if you modify the solution by reducing its concentration.

Consider yourself lucky because you have this guide with you. I had to go through the trouble of finding many different sources to be able to get the best results possible!

And for you, I’ve presented it in a great, concise, and accurate manner so you don’t have to dig deep to find answers!